Pow Wow a social, symbolic gathering

• By CYNTHIA V. CAMPBELL
• Travel editor
• Published: May 10, 2009

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Visit the Tunica Biloxi Pow Wow in Marksville Friday-Sunday, May 15-17, and discover the proud heritage of Louisiana’s first inhabitants. Dancers in full regalia, musicians, and arts and crafts persons from throughout the nation will gather on the Chief Joseph “Alcide” Pierite grounds of Tunica Biloxi reservation, La. 1 in Marksville.

Various aspects of the powwow, such as the dance competition, the drum (singing) contest and the Grand Entries highlight the historical, social, religious and symbolic significance of Native America rituals.

Featured performers will be Blue Nation, a six-piece Native American band from Oklahoma, and Wayanay Inka, a Peruvian group performing music of the Peruvian Andes. The Head Lady Dancer is Michelle Reed of Crestview, Fla., and the Head Man Dancer is Quanah White Thunder of Livingston, Texas. Emcee is Alex Shepherd of Cedar City, Utah. The Head Gourd Dancer is David Flanders of Mansura.

Grand entries will take place at 7:30 p.m., Friday, May 15; 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16; and noon, Sunday, May 17.
Admission is $5, per person. Admission for children age 5 and younger is $2, and seniors, age 65 and older, $3.

A series of free programs on Native American culture for school children is scheduled Wednesday and Thursday, May 13-14.
For lodging and general information, Call (800) 946-1946. Contact Kayla Johnson, (800) 946-1946, ext. 1021, for details on the free program for school children. For additional powwow info, visit http://www.tunicapowwow.org.

Bogs, Birds and Butterflies
The annual Bogs, Birds and Butterflies event, organized by Charles Allen in Vernon Parish, takes place Thursday-Sunday, May 14-May 17.

The event kicks off at 11:30 a.m. Thursday in Building 2537 at Fort Polk with a brown bag presentation, “Would You Believe Wood,” by Steve McCorquodale. All tours and a plant identification workshops begin at Allen Acres, a nature-oriented B&B at 5070 La. 399, Pitkin.

Friday, there will be a plant identification workshop at 9 a.m. in Cravens. Also at 9 a.m., a hike is scheduled along Oiska Chitto Creek. At 6:30 p.m. Friday, McCorquodale will repeat his talk at Allen Acres. A fish fry will be available. There will be two tours Saturday, one at 9 a.m. on bogs and orchids and one at 2 p.m. on forests, orchids and covered graves. A Chinese lunch will be served Saturday. The final tour is at 9 a.m. Sunday. For info and fees, visit http://www.nativeventures.net or call (337) 328-2252.

Sunday outing
Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St. in New Orleans, continues its Mother’s Day tradition today with free admission for all moms along with entertainment and food. Grammy Award-winner Irma Thomas takes the stage at 2:30 p.m. Her concert will be filled with personal anecdotes, old favorites and new hits. Info at http://www.AudubonInstitute.org or (504) 581-4629.

Sundown concert
Lake Charles kicks off its Downtown at Sundown concert series 6-9 p.m. Friday, May 15, at the corner of Ryan and Broad with a performance by Boomarang.

Local artists will exhibit works on tabletop galleries. Children’s entertainment and food booths are planned. In case of rain, the concert will be held inside the Lake Charles Civic Center. Info at http://www.cityoflakecharles.com or call (337) 491-9147.

Acadiana AirFest
The Acadiana AirFest in New Iberia is scheduled Saturday-Sunday, May 16-17, at Acadiana Regional Airport, 1404 Hanger Drive.
The two-day event features a variety of aerial demonstrations, a freestyle motorcycle team and static display. Features will include Red Thunder Demo, Otto Helicopter Show, Greg Koonts Aerial Comedy Act, Aerial Decathlon and more. Tethered hot air balloon rides and concessions will be available. Gates open at 9 a.m. Contact (888) 9423742 or http://www.iberiatravel.com.

Bossier City Fair
The Bossier City State Fair takes place May 15-25 at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, 8000 E. Texas St. Events will include a demolition derby, thrill show, carnival rides, elephant encounter, ostrich races, petting zoo, music acts and an arts and crafts show. Hours will be 4-10 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 4-11 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays; and noon-10 p.m. Sundays. The fair will be open noon-10 p.m. on Memorial Day, May 25. Admission is $7, adults and $4 children, ages 5-12. Children age 4 and younger are free. Wristbands will be sold for $20. All active and retired military personnel receive free admission on Memorial Day, May 25, with military ID. Military families get half-price admission when accompanied by military personnel. Parking is free daily. Visit http://bossiercityfair.com.

Courtyard concerts
The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St. in the French Quarter, continues its spring courtyard concert series 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 15, with Fredy Omar con Su Banda. Enjoy Latin rhythms and margaritas sponsored by New Orleans-based Sazerac Company. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Admission is $10. Call (504) 523-4662.

Spring home tour
New Orleans’ Esplanade area will be the setting Sunday, May 17, for a Spring Home Tour sponsored by the Friends of the Cabildo. The tour includes: